Researchers analyzed data from 658 stroke patients treated with tPA before and after hospital arrival. The study found that pre-hospital clot-busting therapy resulted in lower disability rates and more patients with zero disability. Faster treatment yields better outcomes, according to the lead researcher.
Research finds a strong association between Parkinson's disease and stroke, with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke among those with Parkinson's. This link is similar to that between stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that patients who experienced food insecurity had a higher incidence of stroke risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes. In contrast, patients not labeled food insecure had lower rates of these conditions.
A preliminary study found that biological age is a better predictor of stroke recovery than chronological age. Researchers analyzed DNA structure changes to estimate biological age and found that it's an important factor in patient recovery after stroke.
Research found that patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric disorders have an increased risk of stroke, especially in the immediate post-diagnosis period. The study's lead researcher suggests that psychological distress may contribute to increased blood pressure and inflammation, leading to a higher stroke risk.
Weekly Tai Chi sessions reduced systolic blood pressure by 10.25mmHg and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 0.16mmol/L in adults with known stroke risk factors. The study suggests that continuing Tai Chi exercise may help prevent strokes.
Research presented at American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017 found that people with middle age heart disease risks, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking, are at higher risk for dementia later in life. The study, which enrolled 15,744 participants, revealed that the risk of dementia was significan...
Researchers assessed 6,711 adults with periodontal disease for 15 years and found participants with mild, moderate or severe gum disease were 1.9-2.2 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than those without periodontal disease. The association was strongest in cardioembolic and thrombotic stroke subtypes.
Preliminary study in mice suggests that aged gut bacteria can worsen brain damage after a stroke. Researchers found that mice treated with older gut bacteria had impaired recovery and higher levels of immune cells that worsen stroke severity.
Research reveals Mexican-American stroke survivors are more likely to receive home-based rehabilitation, while non-Hispanic whites get inpatient treatment. This disparity may contribute to worse outcomes for Mexican-Americans after stroke.
A circadian hospital lighting system significantly reduced depressive mood symptoms among stroke patients admitted for long-term rehabilitation. Blue light exposure was found to boost alertness and elevate mood, leading researchers to recommend its inclusion as part of rehabilitation unit environments.
A new study reveals that headaches are a far more frequent symptom of stroke in children than adults. Headache was reported in 6% of children under age 3 and 46% of those 3 or older, according to the research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017.
Researchers found that structured physical activity training can improve cognitive deficits in stroke survivors, regardless of rehabilitation program length. Combining aerobic and strength training programs yields the largest cognitive gains, with benefits observed even in patients with chronic stroke.
Alzheimer's patients have different chemical properties in their 'good' cholesterol, which can lead to inflammation and cognitive impairment. The study found a 5.5 times increase of a dysfunctional HDL subfraction and a decreased protein/lipid ratio, associated with reduced brain function.
Research followed 695 bleeding stroke survivors for five years, finding 40% developed depression during follow-up, with high risk of dementia among those who also developed depression. Risk factors associated with hemorrhagic stroke also predicted depression risk.
Researchers found African-American women were more likely to report loneliness, financial stress, and lower social status compared to non-Hispanic white women. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to address social disadvantages on loneliness in vulnerable populations.
A new study found that children with all types of congenital heart defects have a 24% higher odds of not meeting standards in reading or math. Those with critical defects are also more likely to receive special education support compared to those with less severe defects.
Researchers found that hospitalized stroke patients with visible brain vessel changes and those who exhibited weakness or partial loss of movement were at higher risk for falls. Social media campaigns can effectively educate and engage communities about stroke awareness, increasing website traffic by 200% compared to previous years.
A study found male caregivers reported more successes than problems during the first year of caring for stroke survivor wives/partners. The men struggled to maintain their prior lives but ultimately built confidence through functional improvement and fostered success through positive attitudes.
A recent study found that caregivers of black stroke survivors provided an average of 11 additional hours of care compared to white stroke survivors. Despite this greater time commitment, caregivers of black stroke survivors reported more positive aspects of caregiving, including increased confidence and satisfaction with their role.
Researchers found that male former drinkers were at increased risk for accelerated rates of arterial stiffness compared to moderate drinkers. Long-term heavy drinking habits over 25 years may affect the elasticity of arterial walls and premature age arteries, interfering with blood flow.
Researchers analyzed data from 10,266 patients with ICDs and found that nearly half experienced healthcare-related care after a shock, while one in seven was admitted to the hospital. The average cost of healthcare following an inappropriate shock was $4,470, highlighting the need for smarter ICD programming strategies.
A Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil improves HDL function, including reverse cholesterol transport, antioxidant protection, and vasodilator capacity. Only the control diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels, while the Mediterranean diets had no significant impact on HDL levels but improved overall cardiovascular health.
A new study found that achieving ideal levels for five to seven heart-healthy habits can reduce cardiovascular risk and lower healthcare expenditures. Participants with higher scores were less likely to have all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits, resulting in $5,016 less in total costs.
Research reveals that parents of children with critical congenital heart defects are at high risk for mental health problems, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The study found that up to 30% of these parents experience symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD.
Researchers found a 4.2% increase in heart-related deaths during the Christmas period, with average age of cardiac death being 76.2 years. The study suggests that patients may hold back seeking medical care due to travel, geographic isolation, and emotional stress associated with holidays.
Research found that adults who were in a stable marriage had better prospects of survival after having a stroke, with risks being 71% greater for those who never married compared to continuously married adults. The study also found that multiple marital losses and depressive symptoms impeded recovery after a stroke.
Researchers found stroke rates declining in people 55 and older, but doubling in those between 35 and 39. The study also revealed that younger people are more likely to experience debilitating strokes, which can lead to long-term physical disabilities.
Researchers discovered that women with a history of migraines have an increased risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event, including stroke. The study found that these women are 2.33 times more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those without a migraine history.
Postmenopausal women who experience weight cycling are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death and coronary heart disease deaths. Researchers found that normal-weight women who lost and regained weight had a higher risk of sudden cardiac death than those with stable weight.
Researchers found that generic medicines used to treat heart failure can cost significantly different amounts across pharmacies, ranging from $20.19 to $256.77 per month. The study suggests that uninsured patients may struggle to afford these medications due to the wide price variations.
Research found that using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increased the risk of ischemic stroke by 21 percent, with highest risks seen at higher doses of these commonly prescribed heartburn medications.
A study found hospital admissions for heart attacks in New Orleans were three times higher after Hurricane Katrina compared to before the storm. The study identified additional health problems among post-storm patients, including increased risk of drug abuse, psychiatric diseases, and poor medication adherence.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions, particularly those with poor health outcomes, with poverty and black race being independent risk factors for amputations. The study highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in PAD treatment and management.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016 found that disrupted sleep, including insomnia, is independently associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from three sources and showed a 26% higher risk for those who frequently woke up during the night.
Research found that children who experienced childhood abuse or neglect had higher blood pressure and greater variability in blood pressure readings. The study suggests that clinicians should ask patients about childhood adversity and monitor blood pressure variability to identify individuals at risk of adult hypertension.
A high-protein diet from mostly meat may increase the risk of heart failure in postmenopausal women. The study found that total dietary protein intake was significantly higher in women who developed heart failure compared to those who did not, while vegetable protein intake appeared to be protective.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery significantly reduced the risk of heart failure by nearly 50% compared to intensive lifestyle modification. The study also showed lower rates of atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and hypertension in the bariatric surgery group, which lost more weight over time.
A preliminary study found that offspring with early-onset parental hypertension are more likely to develop high blood pressure, with a 3.5 times increased risk compared to those with normal blood pressure.
A smartphone application called Cardiio Rhythm uses facial signals to detect subtle beat-to-beat variations in heart rate, correctly identifying over 92% of cases with atrial fibrillation. The technology's convenience makes it attractive for large-scale community screenings.
Researchers found a significant association between elevated blood sugar in early pregnancy and the risk of delivering a baby with congenital heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from 19,107 pregnant women, suggests that blood sugar levels may be a better predictor of this risk than current oral glucose tolerance tests.
A study found that individuals with a gene variant that enhances bitter taste perception were nearly twice as likely to consume excessive sodium. This genetic variation also influenced food choices, but not sugar or alcohol intake. The research may help people make better food choices tailored to their individual preferences.
Researchers found that shorter leukocyte telomere length is associated with poorer cardiovascular health and reflects cardiovascular health more accurately in women and white people. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to measure telomere length and overall cardiovascular health in 5,194 subjects.
A community-led campaign that included policy changes, education efforts and culture-shifting initiatives reduced sugary drink sales by nearly 20 percent in Howard County, Maryland. The campaign, led by the Horizon Foundation and partners, also improved food choices and reduced obesity risk.
Researchers found a positive correlation between omega-3 fatty acid levels and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Eating diets rich in omega-3 foods could be a strategy to prevent high blood pressure.
Most smartphone applications claiming to improve diet and nutrition fail to adhere to evidence-based guidelines. A study found that over 75% of apps received low scores for addressing daily food group amounts and whole grains. This highlights the need for app developers to address these gaps.
A study of 80,000 healthy adults found that moderate drinking was associated with slower declines in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels over time. Moderate drinkers had the slowest decline in HDL levels, with heavy drinking nearly eliminating this benefit.
Active marijuana use was linked to an increased risk of developing stress cardiomyopathy, a sudden weakening of the heart muscle reducing its ability to pump. Marijuana users were more likely to experience cardiac arrest and require implanted defibrillators compared to non-users.
Researchers found that patients with high cholesterol who take statins have a 20% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, those in the fit and highly fit categories had significantly lower diabetes risk, with reductions of 22% and 42%, respectively.
A study of 827 US adults found that the average daily sodium intake was 3,662 milligrams, exceeding the recommended limit of 2,300mg. Potassium levels were also lower than adequate, with women and blacks having the lowest levels.